Related Links: Government

The US Government has been trying to find ways to reduce the country's dependence on imported oil in a number of ways.

The bills, committees and laws listed below do everything from offer tax credits for purchasing energy efficient products to finding ways to pay for cleaner energy technologies.

AP

America’s Climate Security Act of 2008
A global warming bill introduced by Senators Joseph Lieberman and John Warner that would establish an economy-wide cap-and-trade regime to control greenhouse gases emissions.

Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
Also known simply as the Farm Bill, Congress overrode President Bush’s veto in May to pass this legislation that supports, among other things, new wind power programs, advanced biofuels and use of solar energy.

The Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming
Led by Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA), the committee’s goal is to examine America’s dependence on foreign oil and develop cheaper and cleaner ways to meet the nation's energy needs.

Investing in Climate Action and Protection Act
A global warming bill that would cap greenhouse gas emissions, through a 100 percent auction system, and use that money, expected to be $8 trillion, to invest in clean energy technologies.

Energy Policy Act of 2005
Signed into law by President Bush in August 2005, the legislation gives consumers and business federal tax credits for purchasing hybrid vehicles or energy-efficient appliances.

Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006
Signed into law in California by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the purpose of the bill is to reduce greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, in the state.

Kyoto Protocol
An agreement made under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, covers 170 countries (but not the US), all of which agreed to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
First proposed by New York Gov. George Pataki in 2003, the initiative is an agreement with Northeastern U.S. states and some eastern provinces of Canada to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants in the region.